Ukraine-Russia War: India taking steps to evacuate around 18,000 Indians, says MoS MEA

As over 20,000 Indians remain stranded in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion with Air India given responsibility of evacuation, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, February 24, that it is taking measures to bring back around 18,000 Indians, including students from Ukraine, assuring safety and urging everyone not to panic. 

Russian President Vlimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine on Thursday, asking Ukrainian soldiers to lay down ir arms and return home. "Our plans (of special military operation) in Ukraine do not include occupying Ukrainian territory. We will aim at demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine," he claimed. 

'Taking steps to bring back about 18,000 Indians': MEA MoS V Muraleedharan

Speaking to media, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan informed, " MEA is taking steps to bring back about 18,000 Indians including students from Ukraine. As air space in Ukraine is closed, alternative arrangements are being me for evacuation of Indian nationals. Central government will ensure safety of all Indians."

"I spoke to Malayali students in Ukraine on phone. Indian students in sourn areas of Ukraine have told us that y are getting food, water and power. Students and parents should not panic. Our government has brought back Indians even from places like Iraq," V Muraleedharan ded.

India's envoy to Ukraine, Partha Satpathy has urged all Indians in Ukraine to stay wherever y are as situation is highly tensed and that air space is closed, railway schedules are in flux and ros are crammed. 

So far, two flights full of Indian returnees have landed, first being an Air India flight and second, a Ukraine International Airlines. A third flight that departed from New Delhi on Friday h to return as Ukraine was declared a no-fly zone.

PM Modi To Hold Emergency Meeting On Evacuation

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold an emergency meeting on February 24, Thursday.  meeting will be focused on evacuation process of Indian citizens and getting Indian students out of war-hit nation. emergency meeting is expected to be held after 5 PM. Republic h earlier reported that Central government is focussing on safety and security of Indians trapped in  crisis-hit nation.  Ministry of External Affairs has set up a control room to provide maximum support to Indians affected by war situation.